3/8/2013 |
Questions beginning to arise for expected contendersIt's starting to get a little more serious out there. The games still don't count and the stats are still insignificant, but any roster concerns sprouting up at this stage of Spring Training have the possibility of impacting the season for some clubs.

3/8/2013 |
Schoop's big day at plate helps Dutch shock CubaOrioles prospect Jonathan Schoop had a three-run home run and finished a triple away from hitting for the cycle to help bring the Netherlands to the brink of a berth in the semifinals with a 6-2 win over Cuba in the first game of the second round on Friday at Tokyo Dome.

3/7/2013 |
Cactus tickets can be swapped for Classic ticketsWith the forecast in Arizona looking ominous, those holding a ticket to one of Friday's Cactus League games will have the opportunity to purchase a $5 ticket to a World Baseball Classic contest instead. To take advantage of the offer, bring tickets for rained-out games to the box office at Phoenix's Chase Field.

3/7/2013 |
Reyes' four hits key DR's rout of VenezuelaThe Dominican Republic jumped on Venezuela starter Anibal Sanchez for three quick runs on Thursday and maintained the pressure after a 50-minute rain delay, surging to a 9-3 victory at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to open Pool C play.

3/7/2013 |
Smyly extends starting pitchers' shutout streakWith another mix of changeups, curveballs and heaters on Thursday against the Braves, Drew Smyly not only continued his scoreless spring, now at nine innings of three-hit ball, he stretched the streak of Tigers starters to 23 innings. They're pitching a shutout for March.

3/7/2013 |
Prince chips in early behind sharp Smyly in routPrince Fielder provided an early lead with a fourth-inning single and the Tigers added to that advantage with a five-run seventh inning that allowed them to cruise to a 9-2 win over the Braves at Champion Stadium on Thursday night.

3/7/2013 |
Texas has no set role for Lowe, with 'pen in fluxRangers manager Ron Washington said he has no predetermined bullpen role in mind for pitcher Derek Lowe, who agreed to a Minor League contract on Wednesday and is expected to join the Rangers on Friday. That may be because there are multiple roles still unclaimed in the Rangers' bullpen.

3/7/2013 |
White Sox rotation in good shape after Sale dealWith the White Sox agreeing to a five-year, $32.5 million extension with Chris Sale on Thursday, buying out three years of arbitration and one year of free agency, their rotation looks in good shape for the next four or five years barring injury.

3/7/2013 |
Cubs' management keeping hope aliveThe Cubs aren't going to be favored to win the National League Central and aren't really considered to be an NL Wild Card contender, but management does maintain a glimmer of hope.

3/7/2013 |
High pitch count leads to Marmol's exitCarlos Marmol was pulled before he could finish his inning against the White Sox, but manager Dale Sveum said Marmol has done better this spring than last year.

3/7/2013 |
No longer underdogs, A's ready for next stepThere is an excellent chance that the Oakland Athletics, Major League Baseball's most pleasant surprise in 2012, will not be able to sneak up on anybody in 2013. This is the bad news for this club. And it really doesn't add up to all that much trouble.

3/7/2013 |
For Dallas Green, past and present remain oneIn February 2011, some five weeks after his granddaughter, Christina-Taylor Green, was murdered by a bullet from the gun of Jared Lee Loughner, Dallas Green stood outside the Phillies' Spring Training complex wearing sunglasses that failed to hide the moisture around his eyes.

3/7/2013 |
Ripken remains close to O's organizationDuring his trip to the Orioles' spring facility, Cal Ripken Jr. said Thursday he would keep an open mind about potential opportunities to return to the organization down the road.

3/7/2013 |
Puerto Rico not looking past SpainPuerto Rico faces stiff competition in the the World Baseball Classic, sharing Pool C with the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. But first it must tangle with Spain on Friday night.

3/7/2013 |
Rogers looks at positives in mixed-results startMark Rogers is among a slew of young pitchers trying to earn a starting slot in the Brewers rotation, and he remains optimistic despite his string of starts that haven't quite gone smoothly.

3/7/2013 |
Versatile Gaudin makes statement in startBattling with a slew of competitors for an Opening Day bullpen roster spot, Giants non-roster invitee Chad Gaudin tossed three scoreless frames Thursday against the Indians, starting in place of scheduled pitcher Tim Lincecum.

3/7/2013 |
Confident in eyes, Freeman has clearer pictureFreddie Freeman's ailments were regularly documented as he struggled to gain consistency with his powerful left-handed swing. Often overlooked was Freeman's constant battle to gain confidence in his ability to see well enough to handle the task of hitting at the big league level.

3/7/2013 |
Bucs' organization rich with high-level Draft picksThe Pirates have an unprecedented collection of former No. 1 picks in the First-Year Player Draft on their Major League club and throughout their system, and in the very near future, as many as 11 of them could be on the field together. Although Draft number does not necessarily determine a player's future, Pittsburgh has a deep commitment to developing players, which bodes well for the team's future success.